NCD Watch

Cancer Watch

17 January 2023 (Tue)

Cancer Watch

Cancer is a group of diseases in which body cells grow and divide in an uncontrollable way. These malignant cells can invade and spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body to cause damage. Among most countries in the world, cancer is the first or second leading cause of premature death (i.e. occurring at ages of 30-70 years). In 2020, there were 9.9 million cancer deaths globally. The five top cancer killers for both sexes combined were lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer and female breast cancer.

Cancer is the top killer among the local population. Between 1983 and 2020, the number of registered cancer deaths more than doubled from 7 226 to 14 805. In 2020, lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer death in both genders, followed by colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.

Many factors contribute to cell damage that can result in cancer. While some risk factors (such as ageing, gender and a family history of cancer) are not avoidable, personal lifestyle choices have long been recognised as important but potentially preventable or modifiable determinants of cancer risk. The World Health Organization appraises that 30–50% of cancers can currently be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and implementing evidence-based public health measures.

Ways to reduce cancer risk:

  • Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
  • Avoid alcohol consumption
  • Have a balanced diet
  • Be physically active in everyday life
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and waist circumference
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B virus and HPV
  • Protect against excessive sunlight exposure
  • Observe occupational safety and health rules
  • Practice safe sex

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to reducing the disease burden of cancer in the local population. Following the recommendations by the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening, the Department of Health (DH) has been providing subsidised cervical screening at DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres and through public-private partnership programme subsidised colorectal cancer screening. In 2021, DH also launched the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme at DH’s Women Health Centres and Elderly Health Centres. DH will continue organising health promotional campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of healthy living and encourage evidence-based cancer screening for the prevention and control of cancer.

Source: NCD Watch January 2023